How Do You Know If Your Mercedes EIS Needs Replacing?

Owning a Mercedes is fun until its electronic ignition switch (EIS) starts acting up, making it almost impossible to ignite the engine. What does this EIS do? It is a digital system that connects the key to its ignition system. So, once you place the key in the ignition slot, the EIS authenticates the code and confirms that the key is correct so that your Mercedes can get ignited. However, if the EIS malfunctions, it can create big challenges, preventing your car from starting. Don’t fret! Continue to the last part of this extensive guide to grasp the common indicators for catching whether your Mercedes EIS is on its last leg and whether it's time to install a new one to avoid unnecessary complications in the ignition.

Typical signs your Mercedes EIS is faulty

1. Key jammed in the ignition slot: In this case, when you insert the key in the ignition slot, it gets stuck in the slot and fails to come out. This can be a frustrating situation if you want to lock your car and get out of it. This clearly indicates that the EIS is defective and has stopped functioning completely.
2. Car fails to start: This is one of the early signs of poor EIS. In this scenario, you place the key inside the ignition slot and turn to start the engine. But guess what? Nothing happens. No clicking noise, no engine crank, and complete silence. This occurs if the EIS fails to verify the key or doesn’t prompt the ignition system to get activated.

3. Inconsistent starting issues: If you observe your vehicle sometimes starts and sometimes doesn’t, then the EIS is on its way to failing. Here, the EIS is slowly giving up and needs to be addressed as early as possible before it causes severe ignition troubles.

1. Dashboard lights flashing inconsistently: When the faulty EIS interrupts your car’s electrical signals, the dashboard warning lights start glowing or flickering abnormally. This can cause significant damage to different dashboard components as well as permanent failure to the EIS itself if left untreated.
2. Steering wheel lock troubles: Ever found your steering wheel to get jammed and unable to unlock? Or struggle to lock? Well, the culprit might be the malfunctioning EIS since it also controls the electronic steering lock system.
3. Key unable to turn: In this situation, when you insert the key in the ignition slot, it doesn’t rotate or move at all, even after trying repeatedly with extra effort. This usually occurs if the EIS is unable to authenticate the key or its internal components are damaged.

Steps to perform when your Mercedes EIS malfunctions

• Sometimes, your vehicle fails to get ignited if the key malfunctions, not the EIS. To confirm this, you may use a spare key to start the engine. If your Mercedes gets ignited with a spare key, the real culprit is not the EIS it’s the faulty key.
• Since your vehicle’s battery is responsible for powering every electrical element, it also charges the EIS. So, if the battery is weak or aged, the EIS may malfunction for not getting sufficient power to run. Thus, you must inspect the battery health and test its charge with the help of a voltmeter.
• Next, check the ignition area for any signs of moisture intrusion, damaged wiring, or corrosion. Consult with a skilled mechanic to take the necessary steps to restore the damaged component through effective repair and replacement strategies.
• Since these Mercedes parts are highly advanced pieces, you must not try to fix these troubles on your own. Otherwise, you may end up damaging other nearby elements, risking your life in a hazardous situation. Always

seek a Mercedes expert to deal with these issues, and remember to use top-quality, genuine parts suitable for your Mercedes model while replacing them.

Final thoughts

In the end, it is concluded that whenever you notice the above warning signs, don’t wait for too long to resolve the problem. A faulty EIS is not a minor issue that you can ignore, it's something which can directly impact your vehicle operation by restricting the igntion process. Thus, with no further delay, get your vehicle diagnosed and treated by a professional to enjoy a joyful journey in your beloved Mercedes.

Integrity Motorcar is an independent European auto service and repair facility located in Yorba Linda, CA. We specialize in looking after high-end vehicles like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Mini Cooper, and Porsche. We are equipped with the latest tools.